Abstract
Fortification with multiple micronutrient powder has been proposed as a public health intervention able to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in children. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of fortification with multiple micronutrient powder with drug supplementation in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and anaemia. This was a cluster trial with anemic and non-anaemic children between six and 42 months old, in randomization data. Non anaemic children received fortification with multiple micronutrient powder or standard drug supplementation of ferrous sulfate associated with folic acid in a prevention dose. Anaemic children who were randomized to receive multiple micronutrient powder also received the recommended iron complementation for anaemia treatment. A total of 162 children were evaluated. The prevalence of anaemia decreased from 13.58 to 1.85%. Iron deficiency decreased from 21.74% to 7.89% (by serum ferritin) and iron deficiency decreased from 66.81 to 38.27% (by soluble transferrin receptor). No difference was identified between interventions for hemoglobin (p = 0.142), serum ferritin (p = 0.288), and soluble transferrin receptor (p = 0.156). Fortification with multiple micronutrient powder was effective in preventing iron deficiency and anaemia in children aged six to 48 months. In anaemic children; it was necessary to supplement the dose of multiple micronutrient powder with ferrous sulfate.
Highlights
No child had intervention suspended due to reported adverse reactions (AR). This randomized clinical trial demonstrated that the use of micronutrients powder (MNP) was as effective as the use of ferrous sulfate and folic acid (FS_FA) to improve serum levels of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and sTfR, i.e., there was no difference between the two interventions
This study showed that children aged six to 23 months who received MNP had a reduced risk of anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia (ID) after 2 months or more of intervention, when compared with no intervention or the placebo, regardless of the initial prevalence of anaemia [5]
Fortification with MNP was effective in preventing ID and anaemia in children aged six to 48 months
Summary
Anaemia remains a global public health problem, especially in countries in Africa and. South Asia [1,2,3]. The most prevalent type is iron deficiency anaemia (ID), and the most affected population groups are women of reproductive age and children
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